French govt pledges 600m euros in aid to protesting farmers

Paris

THE French government on Wednesday unveiled a package worth more than 600 million euros (S$894 million) for farmers, after days of protests that have blocked cities, roads and tourist sites.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared: "We hear the anguish of the farmers," many of whom say they are on the brink of bankruptcy due to falling prices and increased competition.

"We have seen a fear of the future but also the desire to do a job that is more than a job: being a farmer…